Matthew 18.6 NLT




Jesus said,“ If you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
If your picture of Jesus is of “gentle Jesus meek and mild” you need to listen carefully to this verse. However, you look at it this is very strong language, and it certainly isn’t remotely gentle. He was furious at the thought of anyone causing one of his followers to trip up, and especially those who were young in the faith. Their child-like faith needed to be carefully encouraged and nurtured and anyone who deliberately caused them to stumble was worthy of the most terrible punishment.
In a world in which there are endless temptations we need to look at our own churches and ask the question how we protect those who have recently found faith. Friendliness and kindness go a long way, but new Christians need more than that. They need to be carefully instructed in the faith so that they build their love for God on firm foundations. The apostle Paul often spoke of the need for Christians to grow in maturity. Giving your life to Christ is just the first step but needs to lead to a life of continual growth. He looked forward to a time when immaturity would be behind us. He wrote, “We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever that they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” (Ephesians 4.14)


Jesus’ tough talk needs to challenge us all, and remind us of our personal responsibility to do all that we can to encourage and support young Christians. And, at the same time, we need to ensure that we are growing in maturity ourselves so that we will set an excellent example to younger Christians.




Question: Why is it so crucial that we care for young Christians?
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for those who have recently decided to follow you. Help me to do all that I can to encourage and support them. Amen

Released on 30 Mar 2022